DLGS Doctoral Candidate Varsami (Ersi) Zafeiriou presented her work at two events

On June 17-18, 2024, DLGS Doctoral Candidate Varsami (Ersi) Zafeiriou presented part of her research at the 1st Scientific Conference of Spatial Planning and Development: Challenges and Perspectives, organized by the Department of Spatial Planning and Development at Aristotle University, Greece. The conference aimed to situate the dialogue on evolving scientific approaches, policies, and practices in spatial planning and development, identify challenges, and explore sustainable solutions amid modern crises and rapid changes. In this context, Ersi discussed how social vulnerability is conceptualized in resilience planning, concerning climate change impacts in urban areas. Presenting this part of her doctoral thesis in the session “Socio-Spatial Dimensions of Planning and Sustainable Development” offered valuable networking opportunities and insights from experts, especially since one of Ersi's case studies focuses on Athens, Greece.

In addition, from July 8th to 12th, 2024, Ersi participated in the 36th AESOP Conference “GAME CHANGER? Planning for just and sustainable urban regions” in Paris, France. She expanded her focus from social vulnerability to broader urban resilience planning issues and potential pathways for transformative change. Presenting at the Risks Track, she discussed a much-need paradigm shift in urban planning, thus addressing the conference’s main question: "What exactly constitutes a game changer?" The session offered valuable insights into resilience planning, social vulnerability, and climate change risks, including exciting results from the participants' empirical work and other projects that especially resonate the next steps in Ersi’s dissertation. The conference also fostered a sense of community among researchers, inspiring them to pursue meaningful change for the urban future.